Posted on: October 21, 2008 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

Phratry’s LKN (Lauren K. Newman) will be playing a few releases shows
throughout the Northwest in October in celebration of her latest
release, the vinyl/cd combo “Postulate II/Phratry EP.” The first of
these release shows will be October 25th in
Tacoma, WA. Please visit the Phratry website for current dates or
visit LKN’s website via the links section below.

LKN’s new album, “Phratry EP,” is an exclusive release, included with
the limited-edition vinyl re-release of her 2007 full-length,
“Postulate II,” on Phratry. The vinyl/cd combo was released in July
and is currently available. There are no plans at this time for a
digital release of the new EP. Pick up a copy before they’re gone!

“Phratry EP” was recorded by Lauren in four days and mixed in a
single day. Six out of eight songs were made up on the spot – no
loops, no tricks, just one musician capturing spontaneous moments on
tape. Described by Lauren as a “humble” release, Phratry EP lends a
genuine representation of her current/continuing sound/musical chops
(or lack thereof). As we stand knee deep in the days of Pro Tools and
inaccurate measures of a musician’s ability, LKN proves herself in
just one or two passes. It may not sound as “perfect,” but no one can
deny the confidence and sincerety in her writing and playing.
Besides, perfection is boring.

The sound of Phratry EP cannot be easily described. It’s an angry,
indie/classic rock/punk mix. The production quality alone is almost
primitive in form – it’s gritty, crunchy and cuts to the chase. It’s
chaotic at times, with distorted drum-blasts and screeching/howling
guitars attacking from every direction, but the album has a softer,
sensitive, vulnerable side as well. The two dynamics demonstrate
Lauren’s eagerness to explore style, sound and emotion.

You can check a recent LKN “Phratry EP/Postulate II” review at:
http://endhits.portlandmercury.com/archives/2008/08/19/lkn-
premonition as well as an audio sample from the new release on her
website via the link below. Oh, and while you’re at it, check out
Lauren’s other band, Palo Verde.

LINKS

LKN – http://www.myspace.com/lkn
PALO VERDE – http://www.myspace.com/paloverdeband

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